The Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the publication of
the Defence Estate 2006 Strategy which recognises its farm tenants
as important stakeholders.

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, said "Whilst recognising
that the Defence Estate exists primarily to support the delivery
of the nations defence capability, I am glad that the role of its
farm tenants has been highlighted. Many tenants rely upon the land
they rent from the Defence Estate to sustain their livelihoods".

The Estate Strategy requires that the needs of tenant farmers
are understood and that their crucial role in the sustainable management
of the rural estate is fully recognised. It also makes it clear
that all dealings with tenants should be prompt and courteous.

"It is particularly pleasing that the Strategy speaks so
positively about the Estate's tenants since earlier drafts of the
Strategy, seen by the TFA, neglected to mention tenants at all.
We requested that the authors of the Strategy address this omission
which they have now clearly done" said Mr Dunn.

"The tenants on the Defence Estate provide the means for
the Estate to meet its environmental and defence objectives and
it is important that in return the MOD recognises the legitimate
needs of its tenants to make a living from the land they farm" said
Mr Dunn.